Hidden amidst the lush landscapes of Ho Thuy Tien lies a silent sentinel of leisure, frozen in time: the Abandoned Water Park Hue. Once a beacon of joy and laughter, its now-decaying structures tell a haunting tale of dreams deferred and nature’s relentless reclamation. Join us on a journey through this forgotten oasis.
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What is the Abandoned Water Park Hue?
The Abandoned Water Park in Hue, Vietnam, is a hauntingly beautiful yet eerie site that has become a popular destination for urban explorers, photographers, and backpackers. This water park, officially known as Ho Thuy Tien, was intended to be a grand entertainment complex but now stands in a state of decay, reclaimed by nature and time.
Ho Thuy Tien featured various water slides, pools, a lazy river, a wave pool, and other amenities typical of water parks. Additionally, it boasted a massive dragon-shaped structure, which served as the centerpiece of the park’s design and architecture. This dragon, with its gaping mouth and winding body, was meant to evoke images of the mythical creatures often associated with Vietnamese culture.
Are you going to Hue? Explore the ultimate guide to the best things to do in the city!
History of the Abandoned Water Park Hue
The park was constructed in the early 2000s with an estimated cost of around $3 million USD. It was built by the Thuy Tien Lake Tourism Company, and it was envisioned as a major tourist attraction. The idea was to capitalize on the natural beauty of its surroundings and the historical significance of Hue, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Despite the ambitious plans and significant investment, the water park never achieved its full potential. Reports suggest that it struggled financially from the beginning, facing challenges such as low visitor numbers, mismanagement, and competition from other tourist attractions in the region. As a result, it eventually closed its doors, leaving behind a surreal landscape of crumbling structures and overgrown vegetation.
20 Years of Abandonment
Since its closure, the abandoned water park has taken on a life of its own, attracting curious visitors who are drawn to its atmosphere of mystery and decay. The dragon structure, in particular, has become an iconic symbol of the park, its weathered exterior serving as a canvas for graffiti artists and photographers seeking to capture its haunting beauty.
While the park remains officially closed to the public, it has gained a cult following on social media and has been featured in various travel blogs, documentaries, and even music videos. Despite its dilapidated state, the Abandoned Water Park in Hue continues to fascinate and intrigue visitors from around the world, serving as a poignant reminder of the fragility of human ambition and the power of nature to reclaim what is lost.
How to get to the Abandoned Water Park Hue
Ho Thuy Tien is located in Hue, about 8 km outside of Vietnam’s former capital city. From the city centre, it’s only a 15-minute ride by bike or taxi.
To reach the abandoned park, look for “Thủy Tiên” (without the ‘Ho’) on Google Maps. This is the access road to the Abandoned Water Park. Check out the map below for its exact location.
Accessing the Abandoned Water Park in Hue
The Abandoned Water Park is officially closed to the public. When visiting, you will notiche that the road leading to the lake is closed with some barriers. There is also a sign stating a straightforward “NO VISITORS”.
However, local drivers told us to just go, and it’s okay to either walk or to drive around the barrier with your bike.
Once you passed the barrier, continue straight until you reach the lake, then turn left to reach the “parking area”, which is next to the dragon.
The Guardians of Ho Thuy Tien
Since it’s closed to the public, there’s no official ticket office or designated parking area. But leave it to the locals to spot an opportunity!
When we rolled up, we met this guy cruising around the park on his scooter, looking all official in a uniform that resembled a police officer’s. Surprisingly friendly, he pointed us in the right direction.
Then, at the makeshift parking spot, another local was waiting to greet us. He asked for a parking fee of 10,000 VND (about $0.40 USD) per bike and an entrance fee of 20,000 VND (about $0.80 USD) per person. It all felt a bit ad hoc, but the prices were fair, and both guys were super friendly.
Afterall, it seems like a quirky but supportive way to contribute to the local economy, don’t you think?
What to see at the Abandoned Water Park Hue
The charm of Ho Thuy Tien lies not only in its physical grandeur but also in the captivating narrative woven around its abandonment.
Once a vibrant hub of entertainment and leisure, the park now stands as a testament to the passage of time, its faded glory juxtaposed against the lush greenery that has reclaimed its spaces.
Here are the best things to see at the abandoned water park Hue:
1) The Dragon of Ho Thuy Tien
The main attraction at the Abandoned Water Park is undoubtedly the dragon-shaped structure that dominates the landscape. Rising majestically from the waters of the lake, this architectural marvel commands attention with its intricate design and imposing stature.
As you get closer, you’ll encounter the impressive sight of the dragon’s colossal head, its sinuous tail, and one outstretched arm reaching to the ground. This surreal tableau sparks wonder and curiosity, inviting closer inspection of its intricate details.
To reach the heart of the dragon’s lair, visitors must traverse one of the three walkways artfully built over the lake’s serene waters.
To ascend the dragon and reach its gaping maw, you navigate a staircase concealed within its interior. The walls and ceilings were ingeniously crafted to resemble the skeletal structure of the mythical beast, with sinewy spines and arching ribs adorning both sides.
Over time, the dragon’s maw and its interior have become adorned with graffiti and stickers, lending this place a distinct and unconventional charm.
2) The Water Slides at Ho Thuy Tien
Another fascinating area to explore within the Abandoned Water Park Hue is the water slides section. Here, nature is swiftly reclaiming the land, engulfing what was constructed by human hands just two decades ago.
Among this area, you’ll encounter a towering structure that is accessible, leading to the summit of the slides. Make sure to take a moment to wander and discover the pools constructed at the base of the water slides.
The area of the water slides is located on the opposite side of the “parking area”, about 200m from the dragon. It will take you about 15 minutes to explore this part.
3) The Space Shuttle Simulator
As you wander around the lake, you might just come across another abandoned building. And guess what’s inside? A space shuttle simulator! It’s pretty wild—you can still swing open those hefty doors and even step inside.
Now, why on earth there’s a space shuttle simulator in a water park is anyone’s guess! But hey, it just adds to the whole mysterious vibe of the place, don’t you think?
4) The amphitheater (demolished)
Situated on the North shore of the lake within the Abandoned Water Park of Hue, you could – once – discover the abandoned amphitheater. Once a bustling venue for animal shows, this grand structure boasted an impressive capacity of 2,500 seats, showcasing the scale of the entertainment it once aimed to host.
However, by 2024, the amphitheater has been demolished, leaving behind only memories of its relatively short-lived role within the park’s history.
Below you can see the site where the amphitheater once stood, its absence now marked by an expanse of open space. In the distance, on the right, the iconic dragon structure still commands attention.
Recent Demolition Works (2024)
It’s honestly surprising to see some parts of the Abandoned Water Park Hue being torn down after all these years of neglect. As of February 2024, the amphitheater, as we just saw, is now just a memory. And it doesn’t stop there – they’re currently busy tearing down a bridge near the old park entrance.
We’re not really sure what else they’re planning to demolish in the coming months or years. Hopefully, they’ll focus on getting rid of the unnecessary stuff, and let the slides and the dragon remain untouched. Those are the real gems of the park.
Are there crocodiles at the Abandoned Water Park in Hue?
Nope, not anymore! While there used to be crocodiles in the park’s aquarium during its operating days, they were left behind when the park closed down.
DID YOU KNOW? It took a few years before someone realized the crocodiles were still there. Thankfully, the crocodiles were relocated to a wildlife park further North. So, you don’t have to worry about encountering any crocodiles if you’re exploring the park now.
Where to stay in Hue?
Hue, Vietnam’s former capital, has a bit of everything when it comes to accommodations. Options range from buzzing hostels in the heart of the city to more serene spots tucked away in greenery. Check out our picks for the coolest places to crash in Hue:
ON A BUDGET:
A-mâze house – Our recommendation for a budget stay in the city centre
Nano Eco-Hostel – Best value for money, high quality dorm rooms, located next to the abandoned water park Hue
Amy 2 Hostel Hue – Safest choice for backpackers and solo travellers, central location
House of Ly – Beautiful place, great host who gives the place a special feeling
MID-RANGE:
Tâm Homestay – Simple rooms, nicely decorated. Cheap and great location
Moon Sun Boutique Villa Hotel – Spacious rooms, possible to have a private in-room SPA thub
Hue River Side Villa – Beautiful cottage, lovely staff. Great breakfast too!
LUXURY:
Nano Eco-Hostel – Double listed, but check their private rooms for a luxury stay! Great value, lovely host
Jade Scene Hotel – Rooftop pool, great location and positive reviews
Azerai La Residence, Hue – One of the best and most exclusive accommodations in Hue
Abandoned Water Park Hue Entrance Fee
As mentioned in a previous chapter, there isn’t an actual entrance fee at the abandoned water park Hue. However, the guardians who patrol the park will charge visitors 20,000 VND (about $0.80 USD) per person to access the site. Additionally, expect to pay 10,000 VND (about $0.40 USD) to park your bike.
Thank you for this article and these details that aren’t easily found on the internet!